OVER one hundred goals, promotion back to the Premier League and runners-up in two cups - yet it ended as a season of disappointment for Ballymena United.

It was December before Ballymena lost in the League, as they looked odds on to claim the First Division at a canter, however despite their blistering start - the wheels began to come off over Christmas.

With four promotion places available, the Sky Blues' place was assured comfortably in March after a convincing win over title rivals Dungannon. However the following month it was the same side that turned the tables with a dramatic 3-2 win that would swing the First Division title race Tyrone direction.

Cup competitions proved a great success for the Braidmen as the First Division punched above their weight against Premier opposition on numerous occasions. The highlight had to be a County Antrim Shield final defeat to League champions Glentoran.

The League Cup campaign seen some thrilling ties, as Ballymena made it to the semi-finals and played out the game of the season against Glentoran again, unjustly losing 5-3 at the Oval. After pulling the game back from 3-1 down.

The Irish Cup almost seen another shock, as Ballymena forced a replay against reigning champions, Portadown; only to be humbled 6-0 in the second game. The Ulster Cup proved disappointing as Kenny Shiels' side could only finish second in a fairly comfortable opportunity for silverware.

Undoubtedly the star of the season had to be Shea Campbell, who was the centre of much transfer speculation as he almost signed for Oldham Athletic before re-signing at Warden Street. He plundered an amazing 38 goals, including four hat-tricks in his 44 games, which was the most appearances from a United player.

Final League Position - 2nd (from 8)

Irish Cup - Fifth Round - defeated by Portadown
League Cup - Semi-Final - defeated by Glentoran
Ulster Cup - Runners-Up
County Antrim Shield - Finalists - defeated by Glentoran

Total games played - 47
Total wins - 27
Total draws - 10
Total defeats - 10
Total goals scored - 122
Total goals conceded - 66

Biggest home win - 8-0 v. Ballymoney United - 28-Oct-02 (County Antrim Shield)
Biggest away win - 7-1 v. Limavady United - 08-Oct-02 (League Cup)

Biggest home defeat - 0-6 v. Portadown - 21-Jan-03 (Irish Cup)
Biggest away defeat - 0-3 v. Limavady United - 21-Sep-02 (Ulster Cup); 0-3 v. Glentoran - 04-Mar-03 (Ulster Cup)

Total players used - 30
Most appearances (all competitions) - Shea Campbell (44)
Most appearances (league only) - Shea Campbell (27)

Leading goalscorer (all competitions) - Shea Campbell (38 goals)
Leading goalscorer (league only) - Shea Campbell (22 goals)
Hat-tricks - Shea Campbell v. Ballyclare Comrades - 18-Aug-02 (Ulster Cup); Shea Campbell v. Bangor - 07-Sep-02 (Ulster Cup); Shea Campbell v. Limavady United - 08-Oct-02 (League Cup); Peter Withnell v. Carrick Rangers - 23-Nov-02 (League); Shea Campbell v. Carrick Rangers - 08-Feb-03 (League)